Forests and Preforests

Abstract

Forest and preforest vegetation units are relatively better known in comparison with other plant formations in Morocco. They are observed in all major regions of the country, especially in Humid, Sub-humid and Semi-arid bioclimates, between sea level and 2400 m of altitude. One hundred and forty two associations and/or groupements are described so far, representing two classes, five orders and fourteen alliances, which are:

• Quercetea pubescentis

  • Querco-Cedretalia atlanticae

    • Violo munbyanae-Cedrion atlanticae

    • Paeonio maroccanae-Cedrion atlanticae

• Quercetea ilicis

  • Quercetalia ilicis

    • Oleo sylvestris-Quercion rotundifoliae

    • Balansaeo glaberrimae-Quercion rotundifoliae

  • Pistacio lentisci-Rhamnetalia alaterni

    • Asparago albidi - Rhamnion oleoidis

    • Tetraclino articulatae-Pistacion atlanticae

    • Ericion arborae

    • Juniperion turbinatae

    • Junipero oxycedri-Rhamnion atlanticae

    • Quercion fruticosae

  • Acacio gummiferae-Arganietalia spinosae

    • Senecio anteuphorbii-Arganion spinosae

    • Acacion gummiferae

  • Ephedro majoris-Juniperetalia

    • Ephedro majoris-Juniperion phoeniceae

    • Junipero thuriferae-Quercion rotundifoliae

Natural plant communities, dominated by trees and/or high shrubs, more or less dense. Hyper-humid, Humid, Sub-humid and Semi-arid bioclimates; warm, cool, temperate and cold winters. Inframediterranean to Supramediterranean belts.

Quercetea pubescentis Doing Kraft 1955 ex Scamoni and Passarge 1959

Oak, mixed deciduous and conifer (Abies, Cedrus) forests. Hyper-humid and Humid bioclimates. Supramediterranean belt.

Querco-Cedretalia atlanticae Barbéro, Loisel & Quézel 1974

Violo munbyanae-Cedrion atlanticae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

• Agropyro marginati-Cedretum atlanticae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Supramediterranean, Mountain mediterranean. Sub-humid; very cold winter. 1880–2000 m. Marly limestone.

  Eastern Middle-Atlas (Bou Iblane: Taffert) (Fig. 1).

• Berberido hispanicae-Cedretum atlanticae Benabid 1984

  Supramediterranean, Mountain mediterranean. Humid, Hyper-humid; cold to very cold winter. 1600–1900 m. Limestone.

  Western Rif (Central-eastern part of the “dorsale calcaire”).

  Subassociations:

  • quercetosum rotundifoliae

  • geranietosum malviflorae

• Ficario ranunculoidis-Quercetum fagineae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Supramediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid; cold winter. 1400–1520 m. Shists, sandstone, quartz.

  Rif (jbel Tidighine).

• Luzulo forsteri-Cedretum atlanticae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Supramediterranean, Mountain mediterranean. Humid, Hyper-humid. 1500–1900 m. Siliceous: schists. Deep forest brown soil.

  North Middle-Atlas (Tazekka) Rif (central Rif).

• Paeonio maroccanae-Abietetum marocanae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Supramediterranean, Mountain mediterranean. Humid, Hyper-humid; cool, cold and very cold winter. 1500–1750 m. Limestone. Deep soils.

  Western Rif (region of Chaouen: jbel Tazzaot) (Fig. 2).

  Subassociations:

  • abietetosum maroccanae

  • quercetosum rotundifoliae

• Polysticho setiferi-Prunetum lusitanicae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Supramediterranean. Humid; cold to very cold winter. 1480–1600 m. Limestone, siliceous.

  Ripisylva of the wadis and permanent sources of the Middle-Atlas (Tazekka) and the central western Rif.

• Trifolio ochroleuci-Quercetum fagineae Benabid 1984

  Supramediterranean. Humid; cool and cold winter. 1400–1600 m. Limestone; earthy and deep soils.

  Western Rif (valleys and northern slopes of the “dorsale calcaire”) (Fig. 3).

• Violo munbyanae-Quercetum pyrenaicae Benabid 1984

  Supramediterranean. Humid, Hyper-humid; cold winter. 1300–1700 m. Siliceous; earthy and deep.

  Summits of the centro-western Rif until jbel Outka toward the east and Tidighine toward the north.

  Many affinities with Luzulo-Cedretum wich appears in altitude toward the east.

  Subassociations:

  • quercetosum pyrenaicae

  • quercetosum canariense

Fig. 1

Agropyro marginati-Cedretum atlanticae (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 2

Paeonio maroccanae-Abietetum marocanae, Rif (massif Talassemtane) (ph. Ibn Tattou)

Fig. 3

Trifolio ochroleuci-Quercetum fagineae, Rif.

Paeonio maroccanae-Cedrion atlanticae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

• Agyrocytiso battandieri-Cedretum atlanticae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Supramediterranean, Mountain mediterranean. Humid; very cold winter. 1650–2000 m. Basalt, dolomite, limestone; deep soils.

  Ravins and thalwegs of the tabular Middle-Atlas (Fig. 4).

• Argyrocytiso battandieri-Quercetum rotundifoliae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Supramediterranean, Mountain mediterranean. Humid. 1900–2000 m. Cracked basalt.

  Central Middle-Atlas (south flank of the jbel Habri).

• Paeonio maroccanae-Quercetum canariense Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Supramediterranean, Mountain mediterranean. Humid; very cold winter. 1560–1730 m. Basalt, limestone, dolomite; deep forest brown soils, thick superficial humiferous horizon.

  Central Middle-Atlas (atlantic exposure, regions of El Hajeb, Azrou and Ifrane).

  Subassociations:

  • quercetosum canariense

  • argyrocytisetosum battandieri

  • cedretosum atlanticae

• Piptathero paradoxi-Cedretum atlanticae Quézel, Barbéro and Benabid 1987

  Supra- and Mountain mediterranean. Humid; very cold winter. 1800–2150 m. Marly-calcareous, rocky substrate.

  Eastern High-Atlas (jbel Sloul, cliffs of the Maâsker, Mitkane, Cirque Jaâffar) (Fig. 5).

Fig. 4

Argyrocytiso battandieri-Cedretum atlanticae, central Middle-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 5

Piptathero paradoxi-Cedretum atlanticae, Eastern High-Atlas (jbel Sloul) (ph. Taleb)

Quercetea ilicis Br.-Bl. ex A. Bolòs and O. de Bolòs in Bolos y Vayreda 1950

(Pino halepensis-Quercetea ilicis De Foucault and Julve 1991)

Evergreen forests and preforests of Quercus, Tetraclinis, Juniperus, Argania, Pinus… Humid, Sub-humid, Semi-arid and Arid bioclimates. Superior mediterranean, Mesomediterranean, Thermomediterranean and Inframediterranean belts.

Quercetalia ilicis Br.-Bl. ex Molinier 1934 em. Rivas-Martinez 1975

(Quercetalia rotundifolio-ilicis De Foucault and Julve 1991)

Oleo sylvestris-Quercion rotundifoliae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

• Myrto communis-Quercetum suberis Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid; temperate to warm winter. 100–360 m. Sandstone.

  MA-1 (Bab Azhar) R-1-2 (Western Rif).

  Subassociations:

  • myrtetosum communis

  • quercetosum cocciferae

• Tetraclino articulatae-Quercetum cocciferae Benabid 1984 em. Benabid and Fennane 1994

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid. 130–360 m. Limestone, marls.

  North-western Rif.

• Rusco hypophylli-Quercetum canariense Rivas-Martinez 1974

  Thermomediterranean. Humid; warm winter. 80–350 m. Sandstone.

  Rif (Tangerian peninsula).

• Rusco hypophylli-Quercetum cocciferae Benabid 1984

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid. From sea level on atlantic slope, up to 900–1000 m in the Beni Snassen and Rif regions. Calcareous sandstone, marly sandstone, argilaceous, schistous sandstone; soils brown forest, red ferralitic or rendzina.

  Oriental mountains (Beni Snassen) Rif (Tangerian peninsula).

  Nowadays represented only by small forest tasks in sacred sites.

  Subassociations:

  • tetraclinetosum articulatae

  • brachypodietosum sylvaticae

  • myrtetosum communis

  • luzuletosum forsteri

• Smilaci mauritanicae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermo- and Mesomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid; temperate, hot winter. 400–900 m. Limestone, marl, sandstone, schist; superficial rocky soil.

  Northern Morocco (region of Taza, southern reverse of the rifain ridges), Middle-Atlas and western High-Atlas.

• Tamo communis-Oleetum sylvestris Benabid 1984

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid, Humid; temperate to warm winter. 0–500 m. Marls, clays; vertisols.

  Western Rif.

  Oleaster formation, nowadays represented by samll tasks in sacred sites.

  Subassociations:

  • ceratonietosum siliquae

  • fraxinetosum angustifoliae

• Telino linifoliae-Quercetum suberis Zeraia 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, lower Sub-humid; temperate to hot winter. Sandy soils.

  Northern atlantic Morocco (Maamora forest of Quercus suber) (Fig. 6).

• Violo cochleatae-Fraxinetum angustifoliae Benabid 1984

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humide; temperate winter. 400–700 m. Limestone-marl, dolomite-limestone, schist. Deep soil, rich, essentially colluvial and constantly moist without being hydromorphic.

  Western Rif.

Fig. 6

Telino linifoliae-Quercetum suberis, Maamora forest (ph. Taleb)

Balansaeo glaberrimae-Quercion rotundifoliae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

• Arbuto unedi-Quercetum rotundifoliae Achhal 1986

  Mesomediterranean. Sub-humid. 1000–1800 m. Granite, dolomite, basalt, schist; deep soil, rich, essentially colluvial and constantly moist without being hydromorphic.

  Central High-Atlas (Fig. 7).

  Subassociations:

  • phillyretosum mediae

  • quercetosum suberis

• Balansaeo glaberrimae-Cedretum atlanticae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Supramediterranean, Mountain Mediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid; warm winter. 1600–2300 m. Limestone, basalt.

  Central Middle-Atlas and Rif.

  Mixed formations cedar/green oak.

• Balansaeo glaberrimae-Quercetum canariense Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Mesomediterranean, Supramediterranean. Humid. 1200–1500 m. Siliceous; deep colluvial soils.

  Northern Middle-Atlas (Tazekka).

  Subassociations:

  • geranietosum malviflori

  • arbutetosum unedi

• Balansaeo glaberrimae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Mesomediterranean, Supramediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid; temperate, cool winter. 750–1950 m.

  Middle-Atlas (Tazekka) and Rif.

  Subassociations:

  • violetosum denhardtii

  • centaureetosum taganae

  • phlomidetosum samiae

• Cytiso triflori-Quercetum canariense Benabid 1984

  Mesomediterranean. Humid, Hyper-humid; temperate winter. 1000–1400 m. Sandstone.

  Rif (west Rif, Outka).

  Subassociations:

  • quercetosum canariense

  • quercetosum pyrenaicae

• Euphorbio briquetii-Quercetum rotundifoliae Tregubov 1963

  Mesomediterranean. Sub-humid. 1000–1300 m. Schistous.

  Oriental mountains (high summits of Beni Snassen).

• Festuco scaberrimae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, and Rivas-Martinez 1992a

  Mesomediterranean, Superior mediterranean. Sub-humid. 1000–1700 m. Compact limestone.

  Oriental mountains (mountains of Debdou, Bou Khouali and Hamza).

• Genisto jahandiezii-Quercetum rotundifoliae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Meso- and Supramediterranean. Sub-humid; cold winter. 1400–1600 m. Limestone.

  Eastern Middle-Atlas (Taffert) (Fig. 8).

  Open forest with Ampelodesma mauritanica and Genista quadriflora; dense green oak formation with Arabis nova subsp. iberica and Neottinea intacta.

• Luzulo atlanticae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Meso- and Superior mediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid, Humid. 1050–2050 m. Mainly siliceous: sandstone, schist, dolomite.

  Central High-Atlas (regions of Aït Barka, Tizi-n-Test, Agaiouar, Taslida and Tizi-n-Zonguen).

  Subassociations:

  • juniperetosum phoeniceae

  • luzuletosum atlanticae

  • cytisetosum balansae

• Paeonio maroccanae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Meso- and Supramediterranean. Humid, Hyper-humid. 1300–1600 m. Compact limestone, dolomitic limestone; brown red ferralitic soils.

  Rif (Tazzaot mountain NW of Chaouen).

• Sileno melliferae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Quézel, BarbÕro and Benabid 1987

  Supra- and Mountain mediterranean. Sub-humid. 1500–2100 m. Limestone, marl, sandstone; rocky soils.

  Eastern High-Atlas (mountains Sloul, Aberdouz, Hayim, Ayachi and Maasker).

• Teucrio afrae-Quercetum suberis Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Meso- and Supramediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid. 1000–1500 m. Siliceous; brown soils, acide to moder.

  Central Rif.

  Mixed formations with oak suber abundant and green oak; degraded areas are marked by proliferation of Cistus spp.

Fig. 7

Arbuto unedi-Quercetum rotundifoliae (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 8

Genisto jahandiezii-Quercetum rotundifoliae, Eastern Middle-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Pistacio lentisci-Rhamnetalia alaterni Rivas-Martinez 1975

(Pino halepensis-Tetraclinetalia articulatae De Foucault 1993)

(Zizypho loti-Rhoetea oxyacanthae De Foucault 1993 p.p.)

Asparago albidi - Rhamnion oleoidis Rivas Goday ex Rivas-Martinez (1975) and Tetraclino articulatae-Pistacion atlanticae Rivas-Martinez , Costa, and Itzco 1986

For these two syntaxa, the phytosociological value is not quite clear; their limits are matter of controverse depending on authors. Therefore, we prefer to present them together.

• Ampelodesmo mauritanicae-Chamaeropetum humilis Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, and Rivas-Martinez 1992a

  Thermo- and Mesomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid. 1100–1320 m. Limestone, marly calcareous.

  North-Eastern Middle-Atlas (Limestone plateau between Tazekka and the foothills of Bou-Iblane) (Fig. 9).

  Groupement belonging to the Mesomediterranean serial of green oak: degradation of Genisto jahandiezii-Quercetum rotundifoliae.

• Argyrolobio linnaeni-Pinetum halepensis Achhal 1986

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 1700–2000 m. Sandstone, limestone.

  Central High-Atlas (High valley Agoundis).

• Asparago aphylli-Calycotometum villosae Rivas-Martinez 1975

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid. 30–150 m. Marly, siliceous.

  Northern Morocco (Tangerian peninsula).

  Matorral groupement, Cistus monspeliensis abundant.

• Bupleuro gibraltarici-Pinetum halepensis Tregubov 1963

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid. 650–850 m. Compact limestone; deep soils.

  Oriental mountains (Bni-Snassen: jbel Lakhdar) (Fig. 10).

• Calycotomo intermediae-Oleetum sylvestris Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, Loisel, and Rivas-Martinez 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid; temperate, warm winter. 80–320 m. Limestone, sandstone, marl; red soils.

  Littoral region of Al Hoceima and further towards the east.

  Preforest formation, proclimacic, still present only in small sacred areas.

• Calycotomo intermediae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid; temperate to warm winter. 400–1070 m. Limestone, marl.

  Northern Middle-Atlas (Tazekka) Rif (Tangerian peninsula between Sebta and Tangier).

  Tetraclineria more or less degraded.

  Subassociations:

  • tetraclinetosum articulatae

  • pinetosum halepensis

• Ceratonio siliquae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid; temperate winter. 150–850 m. Limestone, marl.

  Oriental mountains (Bni-Snassen, Debdou valley) (Fig. 11).

  Proclimacic Tetraclineria.

• Chamaeropo humilis-Rhamnetum lycioïdis Bolos 1957

  Thermomediterranean. Limestone.

  Northern Morocco.

• Clematidi cirrhosae-Ceratonietum siliquae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Sub-humid; temperate, warm winter. 500–970 m. Limestone; rocky soil.

  Western High-Atlas (jbel Amsitten), Middle-Atlas, North atlantic Morocco (central plateau), Rif.

  Subassociations:

  • aristolochietosum baeticae

  • ceratonietosum siliquae

• Coronillo valentinae-Pinetum halepensis Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, and Rivas-Martinez 1992a

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid. 1000–1200 m. Sandstone, schist.

  Oriental mountains (Debdou, Lalla Mimouna).

  Mixed forest, dominated by two main species Pinus halepensis and Quercus rotundifolia.

• Coronillo viminalis-Tetraclinetum articulatae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 420–670 m. Schist.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (Central plateau between Oued Zem and Oulmès).

  Subassociations:

  • tetraclinetosum articulatae

• Cytiso fontanesii-Pinetum halepensis Achhal 1986

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid. 1400–1700 m. Calcareous marl.

  Eastern Middle-Atlas (Bou Nacer mountains), Central High-Atlas (between Amizmiz and Imi n’Tala).

  Edapho-climatic association, linked to marly calcareous substrates.

  Not reported by Benabid (2000) (Fig. 12).

• Digitali laciniatae-Buxetum balearicae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, Loisel, and Rivas-Martinez 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid. 800–1100 m. Limestone.

  Northern and locally eastern slopes of the northern Rif chain, like on jbel Kelti, but also further south.

• Genisto sparsiflorae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (Haha, Ida-ou-Tanane).

  Not reported by Benabid (2000).

• Junipero oxycedri-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 100–1300 m. Schist, marly calcareous, limestone, dolerites.

  North east of the Middle-Atlas (region of Bechchine south Taza) untill region of Jerada including north bordure of the oriental high plateaux, eastern Rif (south of Aïn Zorah, region of Anguied-Mezguittem).

• Junipero phoeniceae-Pistacietum lentisci Achhal 1986

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid;cold winter. 1350–1660 m. Limestone, sandstone, schist, basalt, quartzite.

  Central High-Atlas.

  Not reported by Benabid (2000).

• Junipero phoeniceae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1982 em. 1988

  Inframediterranean. Semi-arid. 50–160 m. Calcareous sand, sandstone, calcareous sandstone.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (region of Essaouira, jbel Hadid NE of Essaouira) (Fig. 13).

• Lavandulo dentatae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid; temperate winter. 900–1400 m. Limestone, calcareous marl, schist, dolerites, dolomitic limestone.

  High-Atlas (Nfiss valley, south slope of the High-Atlas).

  Association showing many species of Pistacio-Rhamnetalia, but quite infiltraded by those of Acacio-Arganietalia, hence its originality (Fig. 14).

• Lonicero implexae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid. 480–930 m. Siliceous, pelites, limestone, sandstone, granit.

  Northern atlantic Morocco (Central plateau).

• Periploco laevigatae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Benabid 1984

  Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 30–350 m. Limestone, calcareous marl, schist.

  Rif (region Bou-Hmed, eastern Rif), Mediterranean coast (Littoral zone east of Al Hoceima) (Fig. 15).

  Proclimacic groupement.

  Subassociations:

  • tetraclinetosum articulatae

  • arganietosum spinosae

• Phillyreo latifoliae-Oleetum sylvestris Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid; warm winter. 300–700 m. Schist, sandstone, quatrz, flysch; deep soils.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (Central plateau: regions of khorifla, Khatouat, Sidi Bettache?).

• Phillyreo latifoliae-Pistacietum lentisci Benabid 1984

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid. 5–15 m. Sands.

  Rif (region of Tangier, untill Moulay Bou-Selham).

  Degraded groupement developed on the maritime dunes.

• Phillyreo mediae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid; temperate winter. 100–750 m. Sandstone, pelite, schist, limestone.

  Northern atlantic Morocco (Central plateau: lower valleys of Beht, Bou Regreg and Grou in the countryside of Rabat-Casablanca).

• Pistacio atlanticae-Ziziphetum loti Benabid 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 930–1000 m. Limestone, schist, sandstone.

  Northern atlantic Morocco (eastern Central plateau: plains and hills between Azrou and Khenifra) (Fig. 16).

• Polygalo balansae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 800–1400 m. Marls, limestones, schists, dolomites.

  Northern piedmont of the High-Atlas.

  Subassociations:

  • tetraclinetosum articulatae

  • pinetosum halepensis

  • ceratonietosum siliquae

• Querco rotundifoliae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  (Arbuto unedi-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1982)

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid. 750–1350 m. Marl, sandstone, limestone, schist, calcareous marl, dolomite.

  High-Atlas (from Ourika valley to the region of El Ksiba).

  Association of upper horizons of Tetraclineria infiltrated with green oak and many mesophilic species.

  Subassociations:

  • tetraclinetosum articulatae

  • pinetosum halepensis

  • arbutetosum unedi

  • ceratonietosum siliquae

• Rhus pentaphyllae-Pistacietum atlanticae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid; temperate winter. 300–730 m. Limestone, marl; superficial soils.

  Northern atlantic Morocco (Central plateau).

  Subassociations:

  • rhuscetosum pentaphyllae

  • rhamnetosum oleoidis

• Rosmarino officinalis-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid; temperate winter. 800–1220 m. Limestone, marls, sandstone, pelites, marly calcareous.

  Middle-Atlas (north and north east piedmont of Tazekka), Northern atlantic Morocco (Mdez valley).

  Association with many species of Rosmarinetalia.

  Subassociations:

  • tetraclinetosum articulatae

  • juniperetosum phoeniceae

• Rosmarino tournefortii-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 220–1040 m. Marls, limestones, marly calcareous, sandstones, pelites.

  Oriental mountains (Bni Snassen), Eastern plateaux (oriental high plateaux).

  Association with many species of Rosmarinetalia.

  Subassociations:

  • pinetosum halepensis

• Tetraclino articulatae-Juniperetum turbinatae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, and Rivas-Martinez 1992a

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 900–1100 m. Limestones, sandstones. Colluvial soils.

  Eastern Middle-Atlas (Melloulou valley) (Fig. 17).

  Subassociations:

  • pistacietosum lentisci

  • oleetosum sylvestris

• Tetraclino articulatae-Euphorbietum resiniferae Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Aride, Semi-arid. 920–1050 m. Dolomite, limestone.

  North piedmont of the High-Atlas (regions of Bezou, Tanant, Bin el-ouidane, Bni Mellal, El Ksiba) (Fig. 18).

  Association marked by the abundance of Euphorbia resinifera beside Tetraclinis articulata.

• Tetraclino articulatae-Jasminetum fruticantis Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid; temperate winter. 600–1100 m. Dolomite, marls, limestone, sandstones.

  Middle-Atlas (northern piedmont of Tazekka).

  Association covering small areas, more or less isolated.

• Tetraclino articulatae-Pinetum halepensis Fennane 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid. 820–1150 m. Calcareous schist, marly calcareous, pelites, schists, marls, sandstone.

  Rif (region of Aknoul).

• Helianthemo lavandulifoliae-Fumanetum calycinae Peltier 1982

  Thermomediterranean. 900–950 m. Gypsiferous marls, green marls.

  Anti-Atlas (north flank of the jbel near Aït Chleuh), Western High-Atlas (Ida-ou-Tanane).

  Association rich with species of Rosmarinetalia.

• Lavandulo stoechae-Cistetum salviifoliae Peltier 1982

  Thermomediterranean. 900–1100 m. Compact red clay, mixed with sandstone, doleritic basalts often vacuolar; superficial soil.

  Anti-Atlas (north flank of the jbel Ouaskal bordering the cuvette of Bigoudine), Western High-Atlas (Ida-ou-Tanane).

  Association rich with species of Rosmarinetalia.

Fig. 9

Ampelodesmo mauritanicae-Chamaeropetum humilis (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 10

Bupleuro gibraltarici-Pinetum halepensis (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 11

Ceratonio siliquae-Tetraclinetum articulatae (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 12

Cytiso fontanesii-Pinetum halepensis, Eastern Middle-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 13

Junipero phoeniceae-Tetraclinetum articulatae (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 14

Lavandulo dentatae-Tetraclinetum articulatae (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 15

Periploco laevigatae-Tetraclinetum articulatae, Eastern Mediterranean coast (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 16

Pistacio atlanticae-Ziziphetum loti (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 17

Tetraclino articulatae-Juniperetum turbinatae, region of Berkine (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 18

Tetraclino articulatae-Euphorbietum resiniferae, region of Bni-Mellal

Ericion arboreae Rivas-Martinez (1975) 1987

• Cytiso arborei-Quercetum cocciferae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, and Rivas-Martinez 1992a

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 750–1020 m. Limestone, dolomite, schist, granite.

  Oriental Mountains (Bni Snassen).

  Subassociations:

  • ericetosum arborae

  • ampelodesmetosum mauritanicae

  • tetraclinetosum articulatae

• Erico arboreae-Myrtetum communis Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, Loisel, and Rivas-Martinez 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid. 110–840 m. Schist, sandstone.

  Rif (regions of Tetouan, Oued Laou, Chaouen).

• Erico arboreae-Quercetum cocciferae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, and Rivas-Martinez 1992a

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid. 550–1130 m. Sandstone, schist.

  Northern Middle-Atlas (Tazekka), Mediterranean coast (Karn mountain east of Al Hoceima).

  Preforest groupement: sparse suber oak; undergrowth with Quercus coccifera, Cistus spp., Erica spp.

  Subassociations:

  • quercetosum cocciferae

  • quercetosum canariensis

  • eryngietosum tricuspidati

• Phillyreo latifoliae-Quercetum cocciferae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, Loisel, and Rivas-Martinez 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid, Humid. 400–1350 m. Sandstone.

  Rif (Rhomara and valley of Oued Nekor).

  Subassociations:

  • phlomidetosum caballeroii

  • quercetosum rotundifoliae

• Phillyreo latifoliae-Arbutetum unedonis Rivas-Goday and Galiano 1959

  Sub-humid, Humid.

  Northern Morocco.

  For Benabid (2000: 261), this association belong to the alliances Asparago-Rhamnion/Tetraclino-Pistacion

Juniperion turbinatae Rivas-Martinez (1975) 1987

(Juniperion lyciae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981)

• Clematido cirrhosae-Juniperetum lyciae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Sub-humid. Sandy.

  Northern atlantic Morocco (maritime dunes of Mehdia).

• Pino pinastri-Juniperetum lyciae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Humid. 200–500 m. Sandstone, more or less consolidated sand.

  Rif (Punta Cires west of Tangier).

• Rhamno rotundifolii-Juniperetum turbinatae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, Loisel, and Rivas-Martinez 1988

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. Sandy.

  North eastern Morocco (littoral zone of Saïdia).

  Juniperia, maritime dunes.

Junipero oxycedri-Rhamnion atlanticae Quézel and Barbéro 1986

• Cisto laurifolii-Quercetum rotundifoliae Achhal 1986

  Supramediterranean. Semi-arid. 2000–2400 m. Schist, sandstone.

  Central High-Atlas.

• Coronillo ramosissimae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Achhal 1986

  Mesomediterranean. Semi-arid. 1100–1800 m. Sandstone, limestone, schist.

  Central High-Atlas.

  Subassociations:

  • sarothamnetosum arborei

  • pistacietosum terebenthii

• Festuco coeruleae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Achhal 1986

  Mesomediterranean. Semi-arid. 1300–1800 m. Schist, sandstone, limestone.

  Central High-Atlas.

• Junipero oxycedri-Pistacietum lentisci Achhal 1986

  Meso- and Supramediterranean. Semi-arid; cold winter. 1350–1660 m. Schist, sandstone, basalt, limestone, quartzite; deep soils.

  Internal valleys of the Central High-Atlas.

• Leuzeo coniferae-Pinetum halepensis Quézel, Barbéro, and Benabid 1987

  Mesomediterranean. Semi-arid. 1250–1650 m. Marl, limestone.

  Eastern High-Atlas.

• Cisto villosi-Telinetum segonnei Peltier 1982

  Mesomediterranean. 1450–2000 m. Pleated sedimentary quartzites, silty, clayey silty, sandy silt.

  Anti-Atlas (north flank of the jbel Kest, reliefs around Talmst, Asner, Ou-Gouguène, Imin-n-Taghzout, main summits of Tikwyène, Taskra, Amzlouye in the granitic massif of the Kerdous) (Fig. 19).

• Cisto villosi-Genistetum ferocis Peltier 1982

  Thermomeditarranean. 650–1450 m. Semi-arid. Quartzitic, rhyolitic, sandstone; deep soils.

  Western Anti-Atlas (West flank of the jbel Kest, reliefs around Aguert-ou-Dab, Amalou, Dar-Ourtane, Agoulmin, Oulbène, Tililout, Aougounz).

  Association of transition between Pistacio-Rhamnetalia and Acacio-Arganietalia.

Fig. 19

Cisto villosi-Telinetum segonnei, Anti-Atlas (jbel Kest) (ph. Peltier)

Quercion fruticosae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

• Phillyreo angustifoliae-Quercetum fruticosae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Humid. 1500–1800 m. Schistic.

  Rif (Tangerian Peninsula).

  Matorral: suberia (suber oak) and zeeneria (zeen oak) degraded.

Other Associations

• Cytiso barbari-Ononidetum speciosae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, Loisel, and Rivas-Martinez 1988

  Mesomediterranean. Sub-humid. 1100–1500 m. Schists.

  Central and eastern Rif.

  Association little known, even by its authors (cf. Quézel et al. 1988: 83); not affiliated to any alliance.

Acacio gummiferae-Arganietalia spinosae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

(Zizypho loti-Rhoetea oxyacanthae De Foucault 1993 p.p.)

Senecio anteuphorbii-Arganion spinosae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

• Artemisio huguetii-Traganopsidetum glomeratae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Inframediterranean. 100–150 m. Arid; warm winter. Compact sandstone and sandstone boulders; stony soils.

  Littoral south of Sidi Ifni.

• Crepido pinnatifidae-Warionietum saharae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Inframediterranean. 280–300 m. Arid; warm winter. Quartzite or sandstone, rocky substrate.

  Littoral south of Sidi Ifni.

  Subrupicolous association.

• Davallio canariensis-Dracaenetum ajgal Benabid and Cuzin 1997

  Infra- and Thermomediterranean. 400–1400 m. Semi-arid, Sub-humid; temperate to warm winter. Quartzite. Cliffs.

  Anti-Atlas (borders of assif Amaghouz) (Fig. 20).

• Digitario commutatae-Warionietum saharae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Inframediterranean. 100–350 m. Arid; warm winter. Marly substrate; rocky soils with a high inclination.

  Middle atlantic Morocco and western High-Atlas (coastal region between Cape Tafelney and Oued Massa, extending inland to the N’Fiss valley).

• Euphorbio beaumerianae-Arganietum spinosae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Inframediterranean. 20–200 m. Semi-arid, Arid; warm winter. Generally limestone; superficial soils.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (littoral between Cape Tafelney and Oued Massa) (Fig. 21).

  Subassociations:

  • salsoletosum

  • euphorbietosum regis-jubae

  • genistetosum (ferox) microphyllae

• Euphorbio echini-Arganietum spinosae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Inframediterranean. 120–400 m. Arid, Semi-arid; warm winter.

  Western Anti-Atlas, Middle atlantic Morocco (littoral region from Agadir to Sidi Ifni) (Fig. 22).

• Helianthemo australis-Retametum monospermae Benabid, Machrouh, and Schoenenberger 1994

  Infra- and Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, Arid.

  Littoral hills between Safi and Sidi Ifni.

• Limoniastro grandiflori-Arganietum spinosae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, and Rivas-Martinez 1995

  250–750 m. Quatrzite.

  Inframediterranean (south limit), Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, Arid. Colluvial spaces and thalweg in south of the western Anti-Atlas before oued Drâa (regions of Guelmim, Foum el-Hisn…).

  Subassociations:

  • acacietosum raddianae

  • arganietosum spinosae

• Limonio mucronati-Traganetum moquinii Benabid, Machrouh, and Schoenenberger 1994

  Inframediterranean. Semi-arid, Arid.

  Middle atlantic Morocco: association fixing the maritime dunes in the south of Agadir.

• Penniseto dichotomae-Rhuscetum tripartitae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Saharan. Sandy loam soils.

  Saharan Morocco (graras of Seguia el-Hamra; between Tarfaya and Laayoun).

• Periploco laevigatae-Arganietum spinosae Peltier and Msanda 1995

  Infra- and Thermomediterranean. 200–750 m. Arid, Semi-arid. Limestone, dolomite; docky soils.

  Western Anti-Atlas (Kerdous) (Fig. 23).

  Not reported by Benabid (2000).

  Subassociations:

  • warionietosum saharae

  • convolvuletosum trabutiani

  • salsoletosum longifoliae

  • haloxylonetosum scopariae

• Periploco laevigatae-Juniperetum turbinatae Benabid 2000

  Infra- or Thermomediterranean? Semi-arid, temperate winter.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (maritime dunes of Essaouira).

• Polycnemo fontanesii-Arganietum spinosae Peltier and Msanda 1995

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 700–900 m in north exposure, 800–1000 m in southern exposure. Limestone, dolomite.

  Anti-Atlas, replacing Periploco-Arganietum mid-altitude.

• Traganopsidio glomeratae-Euphorbietum echini Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Saharan. Silty sand; rocky or relatively deep soils and talus slopes.

  Sahara (borders of the graras in Seguia al-Hamra).

  Subassociations:

  • euphorbietosum echini

  • pulicarietosum lozanoi

• Groupement with Euphorbia balsamifera var. rogerii Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Saharan. Rocky sandy soils.

  Saharan Morocco (south margins of Seguia el-Hamra).

Fig. 20

Davallio canariensis-Dracaenetum ajgal, western Anti-Atlas (ph. Mangelsdorff in www.Teline.fr)

Fig. 21

Euphorbio beaumerianae-Arganietum spinosae, Anti-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 22

Euphorbio echini-Arganietum spinosae, Anti-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 23

Periploco laevigatae-Arganietum spinosae, western Anti-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Acacion gummiferae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

• Ephedro cossonii-Acacietum gummiferae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 700–1050 m. Limestone, marls, schists, dolomite.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (small sacred areas bordering the Haouz cuvette).

• Ephedro cossonii-Arganietum spinosae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Inframediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid; cold winter. 1000–1550 m. Acid rocks, often granite balls.

  Anti-Atlas.

• Euphorbio echini-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Inframediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 1050–1250 m. Compact limestone more or less fissured.

  Anti-Atlas (north of Bou Izakaren).

  The southernmost association of Tetraclinis articulata.

• Hesperolaburno platyphylli-Arganietum spinosae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Infra- and lower Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid; cool winter. 600–1100 m. Acid substrates.

  North western Anti-Atlas.

• Oleo salicifoliae-Arganietum spinosae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Infra- and lower Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid; temperate to warm winter. 400–1100 m. Limestone, sandstone, marls.

  High-Atlas (South-western and eastern flanks of the Ida-ou-Tanane massif) (Fig. 24).

• Oleo salicifoliae-Tetraclinetum articulatae Fennane 1988

  Infra- and lower Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 250–1100 m. Limestone, dolomite, marly calcareous, marls, colluvions, sandstone.

  High-Atlas (South-western and eastern flanks of the Ida-ou-Tanane massif).

• Polygalo balansae-Arganietum spinosae Barbéro, Benabid, Quézel, Rivas-Martinez, and Santos 1982

  Infra- and lower Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 1000–1350 m. Limestone, marls; superficial and eroded soils.

  Anti-Atlas, foothills of the High-Atlas in the north of Aoulouz.

  Clear Argan forest, chamaephytes dominants.

• Rubio longifoliae-Euphorbietum resiniferae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid, temperate winter. 680–900 m. Limestone. Superficial soils.

  High-Atlas of Demnate, Middle-Atlas (region of Beni Mellal).

• Tetraclino articulatae-Arganietum spinosae Fennane 1988

  Infra- and Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 750–1300 m. Pelites, sandstones, limestones, marly-calcareous.

  High-Atlas (Argana basin and southern slopes of the western High-Atlas) (Fig. 25).

  Among the meridional tetraclinaies of Morocco, Tetraclino-Arganietum is distinguable by its heterogenous flora showing species of the two alliances Acacion gummiferae and Ephedro-Juniperion.

Fig. 24

Oleo salicifoliae-Arganietum spinosae, western High-Atlas (Ida-ou-Tanane) (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 25

Tetraclino articulatae-Arganietum spinosae, western High-Atlas (region of Argana) (ph. Taleb)

Other Associations

• Aeonio arborei-Sonchetum pinnatifidi Gehu and Biondi 1998

  Infra- or? Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. Cliffs, rock walls cracked, steep slopes, very hard to access. warm exposures.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (north of Safi).

• Arganio spinosae-Anagyrisetum foetidae Peltier 1982

  Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 800–900 m. Limestone, marls. Deep soils, clayey.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (watershed of the Oued Souss: hills of Imouila).

  Argania is the dominant tree of the association.

• Arganio spinosae-Artemisietum incultae Peltier 1982

  Thermomediterranean. Arid. 800–1400 m. Limestone, dolomite. Shallow soils, colluvions.

  Anti-Atlas (Watershed of the Oued Souss: adrar Fouilim, adrar Minount, jbel Tanchkirra, jbel Taghzout).

• Arganio spinosae-Cymbopogonetum schoenanthis Peltier 1982

  Infra-, Thermomediterranean. 350 et 950 m. Arid, Semi-arid. Silty clay loam.

  High-Atlas (watershed of the Oued Souss: jbel Aouerir-Ichentane, jbel Bou-Addou, Aït Lahcen-ou-Saïd and other parts of the southern flank of the High-Atlas).

  Clear formation with Argania spinosa and some rares Tetraclinis articulata and Olea europaea subsp. oleaster.

• Arganio spinosae-Euphorbietum beaumierianae Peltier 1982

  Inframediterranean. Semi-arid; warm winter. 50–300 m. Limestone, clay, marl, dolomite; rocky soils.

  Middle atlantic Morocco (Western and southern margins of the Ida-ou-Tanane massif from Agadir untill Cap Rhir).

  Subassociations:

  • euphorbietosum rejis-jubae

  • rhuscetosum pentaphyllae

• Arganio spinosae-Euphorbietum echini Peltier 1982

  Inframediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 350–1100 m. Schistous limestone, dolomite.

  Anti-Atlas (Aït Brahim, Aït Barka, Tinouainane, Tourhach, Tislane, Isk Timichcha, Abatoutou, etc.), Middle atlantic Morocco (lower Souss plain, along the road Tiznit-Agadir).

• Arganio spinosae-Genistetum ferocis Peltier 1982

  Infra- and lower Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 350–650 m. Limestone, dolomite; stoney on the surface, relatively deep soil.

  Anti-Atlas (northern fringes of the Kerdouss massif) (Fig. 26).

  Main arborescente/arbustive species: Olea europaea subsp. oleaster, Ceratonia siliqua, Acacia gummifera.

• Arganio spinosae-Haloxyletum scopariae Peltier 1982

  Infra- and lower Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 250–700 m. Deep loamy soils.

  Northern Anti-Atlas in the regions of Tazemmourt, Tinoainane, south of Taroudant (Bled El-Jdida, bled Tiouna, bled Bou Ghanem), etc. (Fig. 27).

  Mixed formation of Argania spinosa and Acacia gummifera.

• Arganio spinosae-Hysperolaburnetum platycarpi Peltier 1982

  Infra- and lower Thermomediterranean. Semi-arid. 350–1000 m. Limestone, dolomite. Ferralitic red soils.

  Anti-Atlas.

• Arganio spinosae-Rhuscetum pentaphyllae Peltier 1982

  Infra-, Thermomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 600–1100 m. Schists, limestones, dolomites, yellow marls.

  Western High-Atlas (Ida-ou-Tanane, Tafingoult, Tagadirt n-ouchbarou, Tamaloukt, Taskat, adrar n-Tguilist, adrar n-Isseldaten Tagadirt …).

  Well represented in the Ida-ou-Tanane region.

• Pistacio lentisci-Maytenetum senegalensae Peltier 1982

  Thermomediterranean. 800–1250 m. Semi-arid. Rhyolites, granit, limestone, dolomite, schist. Deep soils of decarbonated loam.

  South flank of the Eastern High-Atlas (Surroundings of Aouzioua and jbel Bou-Taggount).

  Matorral more or less arborated.

Fig. 26

Arganio spinosae-Genistetum ferocis, Anti-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 27

Arganio spinosae-Haloxyletum scopariae, Anti-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Ephedro majoris-Juniperetalia Quézel and Barbéro (1981) 1986

Ephedro majoris-Juniperion phoeniceae Quézel and Barbéro (1981) 1986

• Coronillo ramosissimae-Juniperetum phoeniceae Quézel and Barbéro 1981

  Thermomediterranean, Mesomediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 1000–1900 m. schist, Sandstone, dolomite.

  Central High-Atlas (N’Fiss valley).

• Warionio saharae-Antirrhinetum ramosissimae Quézel and Barbéro 1981

  Thermomediterranean. 1000–1300 m. Arid, Semi-arid. Rocky substrates.

  Western High-Atlas.

• Retamo dasycarpae-Juniperetum phoeniceae Quézel and Barbéro 1981

  Mesomediterranean, Superior mediterranean. Sub-humid; cold winter. 1300–2200 m. Marls, sandstone.

  Western High-Atlas (Fig. 28).

• Zizipho loti-Rhuscetum tripartitae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, and Rivas-Martinez 1994

  Thermomediterranean. Arid. 1100–1300 m. Limestone. Rocky substrates.

  Region of Errachidia, south flank of the Anti-Atlas: region of Tta-Tisgui ou Mallou.

Fig. 28

Retamo dasycarpae-Juniperetum phoeniceae, High-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Junipero thuriferae-Quercion rotundifoliae Quézel and Barbéro (1981) 1986

• Adenocarpo bacquei-Buxetum balearicae Quézel and Barbéro 1981

  Thermo-, Meso- and Superior mediterranean. Arid, Semi-arid. 1600–2000 m. Limestone, marly-calcareous. Rocky substrate.

  Endemic of the Eastern High-Atlas (Dades cliffs; south flanks of the lower slopes of the jbel Aberdouz).

  Subassociations (Taleb and Fennane 2009):

  • buxetosum balearicae

  • retametosum sphaerocarpae (Fig. 29).

• Berberido hispanicae-Fraxinetum dimorphae Quézel and Barbéro 1981

  Superior and Mountain mediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid; very cold winter. 1700–2200 m. Limestone, marl, stony or rocky substrate.

  Eastern High-Atlas (Ayachi, Maasker, National Parc of the Eastern High-Atlas), Central High-Atlas, Eastern Middle-Atlas (Fig. 30).

  Subassociations (Taleb and Fennane 2009):

  • fraxinetosum dimorphae

  • juniperetosum thuriferae

• Bupleuro spinosi-Juniperetum phoeniceae Quézel and Barbéro 1981

  Mountain mediterranean. Semi-arid; very cold winter. 1900–2800 m. Limestone, schist, quartzite. Rocky substrate.

  Anti-Atlas (jbel Saghro), Eastern High-Atlas (jbel Aberdouz), central High-Atlas.

• Bupleuro spinosi-Juniperetum thuriferae (Achhal 1986) Taleb and Fennane 2009

  (Bupleuro spinosi-Juniperetum phoeniceae Quézel and Barbéro 1981 subassociation juniperetosum thuriferae Achhal 1986)

  Mountain mediterranean, lower Oromediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid; very cold winter. 2050–2600 m. Limestone, gabbro; rocky substrate.

  Eastern High-Atlas (jbel Aberdouz) (Fig. 31).

  Subassociation (Taleb and Fennane 2009):

  • berberidetosum hispanicae

• Buxo balearicae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Quézel and Barbéro 1981

  Superior and Mountain mediterranean. Semi-arid; cold to very cold winter. 1500–2200 m. Limestone, marls, rocky substrate.

  Eastern High-Atlas (Aberdouz, Ayachi and Masker mountains), Eastern Middle-Atlas (Bou-Nacer) (Fig. 32).

  Subassociations (Taleb and Fennane 2009):

  • buxetosum balearicae

  • pinetosum halepensis

• Buxo sempervirentis-Juniperetum thuriferae Quézel 1957

  Mountain mediterranean, Oromediterranean. Semi-arid; cold to very cold winter. 2200–2600 m. Sandstone, limestone. More or less fixed scree at the base of cliffs.

  High-Atlas (Akka n’Tazzert).

• Crataego laciniatae-Berberidetum hispanicae Quézel, Barbéro, Benabid, Loisel, and Rivas-Martinez 1992b

  Mountain mediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid. 2000–2200 m. Limestone.

  Eastern High-Atlas (jbel Fazaz, Msadrid, Issoal), Eastern Middle-Atlas (Bou Nacer, Bou Iblane, Tichoukt) (Fig. 33).

• Lonicero arboreae-Cedretum atlanticae Barbéro, Quézel, and Rivas-Martinez 1981

  Mountain mediterranean, Oromediterranean. Sub-humid; cold and very cold winter. 2100–2350 m. Limestone, granit, dolomitic limestone; earthy soil, covered with rocks.

  Eastern High-Atlas (mountains Hayïm, Tazigzaout, Sloul, Taouarist, Ayachi and Masker), Eastern Middle-Atlas (Bou Nacer) (Fig. 34).

• Ormenido scariosae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Quézel and Barbéro 1981

  Supramediterranean, Mountain mediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid; very cold winter. 1800–2450 m. Limestone, granit, marly-calcareous, rocky substrates.

  Oriental High-Atlas (valleys of Ahansal, Aït Bouguemez, Aït M’hamed, jbels Hayïm, Aberdouz, Ayachi, Maâsker) (Figs. 35 and 36).

• Polygalo balansae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Achhal 1986

  Mesomediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid; cold winter. 1700–2000 m. Sandstone, schist.

  Central High-Atlas.

• Retamo dasycarpae-Quercetum rotundifoliae Achhal 1986

  Superior and Mountain mediterranean. 1600–2500 m, Semi-arid, Sub-humid; cold winter. Schist, dolomite, basalte, sandstone.

  South flank of the central High-Atlas.

• Buxo balearicae-Juniperetum phoeniceae Taleb and Fennane 2009

  Mesomediterranean, Superior mediterranean. Semi-arid; cold to cool winter. 1600–2000 m. Limestone; eroded soils.

  Eastern High-Atlas (Ziz valley, south flanks of the mountains Aberdouz, Ayachi and Masker) (Fig. 37).

• Berberido hispanicae-Ribesetum uva-crispae Taleb and Fennane 2009

  Mountain mediterranean. Semi-arid, Sub-humid; cold winter. 2050–2500 m. Earthy limestone.

  Eastern High-Atlas (mountains of Ayachi, Masker, Sloul, Tazigzaout, Taourist, Issoual, plateau des lacs), Eastern Middle-Atlas (Fig. 38).

Fig. 29

Adenocarpo bacquei-Buxetum balearicae subassociation retametosum, Eastern High-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 30

Berberido hispanicae-Fraxinetum dimorphae, Eastern Middle-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 31

Bupleuro spinosae-Juniperetum thuriferae, Eastern High-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 32

Buxo balearicae-Quercetum rotundifoliae, Eastern Middle-Atlas (Bou-Nacer) (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 33

Crataego laciniatae-Berberidetum hispanicae, Eastern High-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 34

Lonicero arboreae-Cedretum atlanticae, Eastern Middle-Atlas (Bou-Nacer) (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 35

Ormenido scariosae-Quercetum rotundifoliae, Eastern High-Atlas (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 36

Ormenis scariosa (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 37

Buxo balearicae-Juniperetum phoeniceae (ph. Taleb)

Fig. 38

Berberido hispanicae-Ribesetum uva-crispae, Eastern Middle-Atlas (Bou-Nacer) (ph. Taleb)